Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell has called on the Energy Minister to reconsider the size and location of the proposed Central North Renewable Energy Zone, saying it overlaps key irrigated farmland vital to Victoria’s food production.
Lovell criticised the draft Victorian Transmission Plan for prioritising developer options over agricultural land protection, despite acknowledging the area’s complex irrigation and planning needs.
She echoed concerns from residents and Campaspe Shire Council about reduced land values, biosecurity risks, and conflicts with local planning. Lovell also slammed the government’s refusal to review turbine setback distances, calling the consultation process a “box-ticking exercise.”
